Bennett believes this is his moment

New father now healthy and focused fully on catching passes against Packers

January 21, 2011|By Brad Biggs, Tribune Reporter

Earl Bennett is not able to make a catch against the Jets. (Jos? M. Osorio, Chicago Tribune)

As the Bears have watched film of their last meeting with the Packers just three weeks ago, Earl Bennett has envisioned himself making plenty of plays.

Bennett sat out the Jan. 2 game at Lambeau Field, but Rashied Davis had plenty of action in his place, catching a season-high seven passes for 63 yards. He did his damage working on the inside in the spot that Bennett typically occupies.

Now, Bennett is healthy from a sprained ankle suffered in the Dec. 20 game in Minnesota when linebacker Chad Greenway tackled him on a play over the middle. If he's lined up in the slot, he could be a primary target for quarterback Jay Cutler when the Packers bring pressure. Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers is expected to blitz early and often.

"If they bring a lot of pressure that could be open because they will bring it from the inside," Bennett said. "We'll just try to take advantage and move the ball.

"It's the biggest game of my life. I'm focused."

Focusing has to be a challenge, though, as his wife gave birth Wednesday to their first child, Earl Jr. Labor was induced and Bennett was excused from practice that day. He's sleeping upstairs to make sure he gets proper rest.

"At the time, I enjoyed my child and had to make sure my family was all right," he said. "Now, it's work. This is how he eats. It's something I have been dreaming about since I was a little kid, making it to the Super Bowl, so I am definitely keyed into my playbook. I am ready to go."

The Bears face a considerable challenge going against the Packers. With cornerbacks Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams, the Packers play press man coverage better than any secondary in the league. Woodson is the reigning NFL defensive player of the year and Williams has three interceptions in Green Bay's first two playoff games. The Packers have given the Bears trouble in the past.

"They're going to grab you, they're going to pull you, they're going to do everything they can to make sure they stay with you, and they go a great job of it," wide receivers coach Darryl Drake said.

So, how do you beat that?

"Using great technique and being disciplined," Drake said. "They know what we have to do and they just have to go out and do it."

The challenge is there for the Bears and Cutler. They did well against the Jets' tight man coverage in Week 16. But they have yet to have a big passing day against the Packers.

"The coaches put us in a great position to make plays," Bennett said. "We just have to be ready to go."